2 Gang switch wiring - Swap left for right switch

[Ian 1969]

Hi All

I am hoping someone can assist in an OCD matter haha.
It is a hallway 2 gang switch but would like the switching swapped from side to side..
The left switch operates the downstairs light, and the right switch operates the upstairs light, but it should be the other way around. They both switch off correctly (top of switch pushed to) so I can't simply turn the switch 180 degrees. Working top left and moving clockwise on the photo attached, the wires are:
A = red wire - permanent live when upstairs light is on / switching live when upstairs light is off
B1 = red wire - switching live for left switch
B2 = Not used
B = red wire - permanent live
A2 = yellow wire - earth
A1 = blue wire - permanent live

Many thanks Ian

 

[sparkwright]

A1 becomes B1
A2 becomes B2
A3 becomes B3

and so
B1 becomes A1
B2 becomes A2
B3 becomes A3

You may need to isolate more than one fuse or circuit breaker.

Be careful not to mix up the wires while doing this.

Take pictures or draw careful diagrams.

Work safely.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Just to reinforce the 'before' picture. Make sure that the three red wires have marks to distinguish one from another before taken photo, and before changing anything.

 

[Ian 1969]

Perfect! Thank you so much Sparkwright.
I will start tomorrow morning and turn the fusebox off all together.
I may put small labels on each wire if I can get in.
Will let you know how I get on tomorrow.
Thanks again Sparkwright

 

[Ian 1969]

Yes, good point DetlefSchmitz, thank you for your advice

 

[flameport]

Info given above is correct.
The reason why - there are 2 identical switches A and B, one is upside down relative to the other one.
Each switch has 3 terminals.

A2 = yellow wire - earth

Yellow is a switched line.

All of those wires are either permanent line or switched line, there is no earth connection there. No neutrals either.
The switch either connects A and A1 together, or A and A2 together.
Same for the B switch.

 

[Ian 1969]

Thanks Flameport. My mistake. I could not find a live there, but maybe if other switches were in certain positions (upstairs) it would become live.
Hopefully it will be a straightforward swap over whilst obviously taking care.
Thank you

 

[Keithmac]

I did this in our house as well, had annoyed me for 13 years!.

 

[Ian 1969]

Haha, glad I'm not the only one, although I have only lived here 1 year.
Probably take me a few months to remember it is swapped over haha.

 

[SUNRAY]

A1 becomes B1
A2 becomes B2
A3 becomes B3

and so
B1 becomes A1
B2 becomes A2
B3 becomes A3

You may need to isolate more than one fuse or circuit breaker.

Be careful not to mix up the wires while doing this.

Take pictures or draw careful diagrams.

Work safely.

Easier than that.

Move red from B1 to B2 and turn the switch upside down.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Move red from B1 to B2 and turn the switch upside down.

Only if you don't care abut symmetry between 2-way switches.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

A = red wire - permanent live when upstairs light is on / switching live when upstairs light is off

No it isn't.

A2 = yellow wire - earth

NO!!!

Ian - for the sake of your safety, and that of everybody else in the house, please learn about electrics before you even think about actually doing any more electrical work.

You really don't know enough to be safe.

 

[Ian 1969]

Hi ban-all-sheds, just about to swap the wires over, are you saying DO NOT go ahead if I have given incorrect information?
Thanks

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

In this case you can go ahead if you follow the instructions carefully. But it is in your own and your family's interest to learn more about the subject before you tackle anything else, as you can easily make a dangerous mistake.

BAS can give you a reading list.

 

[Ian 1969]

Okay thank you. You are right, I do not know much about electrics but thought I had given the info needed using a basic test meter, but obviously wrong.
I would never take on a larger job as i do not have the knowledge but thought this could be fairly straight forward. Will continue know and let you know shortly.
Thanks again